October 2023 – Page 4 – A Walk With The Mouse

Disney’s ‘Encanto’ Takes Over ABC’s ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Posted on October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Disney’s Encanto took over Dancing With the Stars, and Guests were left in tears. Last night, October 17, 2013, ABC’s hit television show Dancing With the Stars celebrated Disney’s 100th anniversary with a special tribute.

Disney 100

On October 16, 2023, the Walt Disney Company celebrated 100 years of entertainment, storytelling, and magic. Throughout Disney Parks and entertainment, huge celebrations have been entertaining Guests. Celebrations have stretched across the globe from Disneyland in Anaheim, California, to Shanghai Disneyland and everywhere in between.

Once Upon a Studio was released on Disney+ and Hulu as one of the most notable Disney 100 tributes. This Disney short film celebrates 100 years of Walt Disney Studios Animation and storytelling. The 13-minute film encapsulates the magic, featuring 543 Disney characters from over 85 feature-length and short films released over the past 100 years.

Across the Disney Parks, Guests have experienced once-in-a-lifetime celebrations for Disney’s 100th anniversary. In Disneyland Paris, Guests cheered as 100 Disney characters, and Disney VoluntEARS paraded down Main Street, U.S.A. Even Disney entertainment is celebrating, as celebrated films, including Moana and The Lion King, are back in select theaters for a limited time to celebrate the anniversary.

Dancing With the Stars Celebrates Disney 100

Last night on ABC, Dancing With the Stars celebrated Disney’s centenary with Disney 100 Night. The episode featured Disney-inspired dances and a special showcase featuring Encanto, that left fans speechless. The showcase also unveiled Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 Disney 100 Platinum Edition.

Starting out, some audience members weren’t quite sure if they were watching a dance or a commercial for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. After entering the Hyundai, iconic Disney characters joined the dancers, including Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Wendy, Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, and even Sorcerer Mickey himself!

Once the stars arrived on the Dancing With the Stars stage, Guests were instantly thrilled when they heard the recognizable start to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” from Disney’s Encanto. The dancer’s beautiful dresses referenced the traditional Columbian clothing worn by the films characters Mirabel, Isabella, Luisa, and more. Additionally, many dancers donned Bruno’s green poncho as a note to the Encanto character’s iconic look.

In addition to the beautiful costumes and set design, the dance even featured Bruno giving a prophesy. But you may be wondering, how do we avoid talking about Bruno with the show’s infamous judge Bruno Tonioli on set? Well Tonioli has a silent Bruno cameo during the number, but when the dance ended, he couldn’t help but shout his praise.

During the show, contestants celebrated Disney’s 100th anniversary with Disney-themed dances. American Pie actress Alyson Hannigan and her partner Sasha Farber danced to “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater performed “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” from Fantasia. Mira Sorvino and partner Gleb Savchenko waltz to “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Disney’s Cinderella.

The quickstep was performed by Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold to “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” from Toy Story. Jason Mraz danced the foxtrot with Daniella Karagach to “A Whole New World” from Aladdin. Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev waltzed to “Part of Your World” from Disney’s newest live-action remake, The Little Mermaid.

Earning the highest scores of the night, Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy stole the show with the Paso Doble to “Un Poco Loco” from Coco. Following close behind in high scores were partners Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov, dancing to Frozen 2’s “Into the Unknown.”

The Brady Bunch actor Barry Williams and his partner Peta Murgatroyd performed a jazz dance to “He’s a Tramp” from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, earning the lowest score of the night. Lele Pons and Brandon Armstrong joined them in the bottom three and danced the rumba to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from The Lion King. However, NFL Star Adrian Peterson and Britt Stewart waltzed to “Baby Mine” from Dumbo and were eliminated by fans.

Disney Reveals New Food Offerings for Jollywood Nights

Posted on October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host a brand new nighttime party, Disney Jollywood Nights, on ten select evenings from Nov 11-Dec. 20, 2023, this festive season. The separately ticketed event, which takes place 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., invites guests to experience a glamorous evening full of merry mashups, delicious tastes and sips, iconic throwback characters, and a holiday vibe full of glitz and sparkle. Disney has released the foodie guide for items that will be available for purchase during the party.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Grab your best Hollywood glam and appetite because Disney Jollywood Nights is less than a month away from kicking off its first night! This brand-new holiday extravaganza is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World on 10 select nights Nov. 11 through Dec. 20 and is filled with plenty of festive fun.

This new nighttime soiree will feature plenty of swanky spots for you to enjoy like the Holiday Fiesta en la Calle over in Commissary Lane. The streets will be filled with Latin holiday tunes, colorful décor, and plenty of eats and sips inspired by Latin holiday traditions for a vibrant and lively party. Or experience Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby as the restaurant transforms into a smooth jazz joint, playing holiday tunes amidst sparkling décor. Here, you can sip craft cocktails and indulge in an exclusive menu of light bites while enjoying the music and ambiance of this classy establishment. You can even drop by the dazzling Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club, a swingin’ soiree in the courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel. A live band will be bringing the fun with holiday tunes in jukebox style as you sip on fancy cocktails.

While you’re at all of these locations and the others scattered throughout the park, you’ll be able to indulge in tasty delights that will light up your taste buds with holiday spirit (and flavor). From the delicious Holiday Turkey Popover at Fairfax Fare to the lovely Tiramisù Puff at PizzeRizzo, and even sweet sips like the Sandy Claws Hot Cocoa from Dockside Diner, this new event has something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season!

And don’t forget about the thrilling entertainment going on too! Be sure to check out the can’t-miss musical variety show featuring some of your favorites, like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, and the seasonal nighttime spectacular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” To make the night even more festive, we’d suggest wearing your holiday best with an old Hollywood flair.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see all the tasty eats and sips coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this holiday season. I’m pleased to present to you the official Foodie Guide to the first-ever Disney Jollywood Nights!

Holiday Fiesta en la Calle at ABC Commissary

Chicken Empanadas with Street Corn: Chicken empanadas served with a side of street corn salad topped with chili peppers, lime, and cotija cheese
Yuca con Chicharrón: Fried pork belly, yuca, red pickled onions, and chili pepper-lime seasoning with a yellow pepper aïoli
Mushroom Taco: Chili-roasted Mixed mushrooms, avocado crema, baby gem lettuce, and garnished with sliced radish (Plant-based Item)
Birria Taco: Shredded short rib and Monterey jack served with beef consommé for dipping

Tembleque: Coconut rice pudding with caramel rum sauce and cinnamon
Mexican Hot Cocoa Cheesecake: Spiced chocolate cheesecake on a chocolate cookie base topped with vanilla whipped cream and cocoa powder with a chocolate handle
Mangonada: Frozen mango beverage with mango-chili pepper-lime sauce and chili pepper-lime seasoning on top (Non-alcoholic)
Zero-Proof Piña Colada: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, coconut, pineapple, and lime
Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, agave nectar, Mexican chocolate, and orange bitters served over ice garnished with an orange

Baseline Taphouse

Tuna Ceviche: Marinated ahi tuna, pico de gallo, and avocado cream topped with cilantro
Charcuterie Cup: Manchego, chorizo, serrano ham, pickled vegetables, olives, and toasted focaccia bread
Beer Margarita: Blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, and lime juice topped with Scrimshaw Pilsner over Ice

Dockside Diner

Spicy Pimento-Kimchi Dip topped with chives and served with fresh house-made wonton chips
Roasted Eggplant Dip topped with chives and served with warm pita bread (Plant-based Item)
Poutine Tots: Potato barrels topped with gravy, brisket, mozzarella curds, and chives
Christmas Tree Cookie Stack: Vanilla cookie stack filled with pistachio buttercream, cranberry, and raspberry jam topped with sprinkles and a yellow candy star

Sandy Claws Hot Cocoa: “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”-inspired dark chocolate hot cocoa topped with cherry whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)
Naughty or Nice: Crown Royal Whisky and ginger mixed with orange, cranberry, and grapefruit juices topped with fresh cranberries

Epic Eats

Spicy Korean Chicken Funnel Cake: Spicy fried Korean chicken with pickled vegetables served on a mini funnel cake
Brisket Reuben Funnel Cake: Beef brisket and sauerkraut slaw topped with thousand island dressing served on a mini funnel cake
S’mores Funnel Cake: Giant roasted marshmallow with chocolate and marshmallow sauce, topped with chocolate curls and cinnamon cereal served on a mini funnel cake
Samuel Adams Winter Lager: Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel for a deep flavor and malty finish

Fairfax Fare

Holiday Turkey Popover: Roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy, cranberry chutney, and chives in a house-made popover
‘Just the Sides’ Popover: Macaroni & cheese and savory collard greens with ham topped with cornbread crumbs in a house-made popover
PB&J Doughnut: Glazed doughnut with creamy peanut butter and grape jelly dipped in dark chocolate topped with crushed house-made salt and vinegar chips
Kermit’s Frozen Banana Bliss: Frozen banana and white chocolate with caramel swirls topped with matcha whipped cream and sprinkle (Non-alcoholic)
Mistletoe Martini: Tito’s Handmade Vodka and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur mixed with cranberry juice and topped with fresh cranberries and mint leaves

Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction

Christmas Gertie Cookie: Sugar cookie with mint icing (Also available with mint soft-serve)

Market

Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls: Fried spring rolls served with a jalapeño-ranch dipping sauce and fried rice noodles
Frozone’s Snowball Macaroons: Coconut macaroons drizzled with blue vanilla frosting and topped with white snowflake sprinkles
Spiced Apple Cider: Apple cider and cinnamon with an apple chip garnish (Non-alcoholic)
Zero-Proof Apple Cider: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, apple cider, Angostura Bitters, and cinnamon topped with an apple chip and cinnamon rim
In Holiday Fashion: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry and lime juices, and cinnamon

PizzeRizzo

Meatball and Polenta: Giant meatball with marinara and creamy cheese polenta
Olive and Goat Cheese Flatbread: Olive oil-toasted flatbread, creamy goat cheese, rustic olive and tomato spread, balsamic glaze, and lemon watercress
Antipasto Flatbread: Fresh mozzarella, salami, peperoni, country ham, olives, peppers, onions, pepperoncini, and marinara
Tiramisù Puff: Sweet-and-savory with flavors of espresso, chocolate, and a coffee-infused custard and mascarpone cream
Benvolio Pinot Grigio
Banfi Chianti Superiore
Peroni Nastro Azzuro Lager Draft
Heineken 0.0 Non-Alcoholic Lager

Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club

The 5th Dimension Royale: Teremana Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, desert pear, agave nectar, and lime juice topped with Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut and garnished with a dehydrated blood orange wheel
Twilight Daiquiri: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, ube, lime juice, and a splash of shimmer
Sparkling Pomegranate-Apple Cider: Pomegranate-green tea topped with sparkling apple cider and pomegranate seeds
Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut

The Trolley Car Café

Ornament Mousse: Dark chocolate-cherry mousse

Outdoor Vending Locations

Gingerbread Bites (Plant-based Item)

Bar Locations

Zero-Proof Gingerbread Spritzer: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, gingerbread syrup, and club soda garnished with a gingerbread bite
Sugar Cookie Martini: Stoli Vanil Vodka, Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, and DISARONNO Originale Liqueur mixed with milk and sugar in a sprinkle-rimmed glass with a sugar cookie garnish

Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby

Oyster Rockefeller: Spinach foam, shaved parmesan, rocoto pepper relish, and salmon caviar
Crispy Duck Drumettes: Spicy orange glaze, carrots, and kumquats
Charcuterie: House-made cured meats and accompaniments, blue cheese mousse, and toasted sourdough
Shrimp Cocktail: Classic cocktail sauce, citrus pearls, avocado mousse

Derby Slider: Bison and pork belly blend, taleggio cheese sauce, and fig stout jam
Tuna Carpaccio: Mezcal pickled vegetables, salsa macha, and avocado crema
Pork Belly Bao: Korean BBQ, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette
Tofu Bao: Seared tofu, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette
An assortment of classic cocktails, zero-proof and non-alcoholic beverages, wine, and beer

To experience the festive fun of Jazzy Holidays at The Holiday Brown Derby, you can request to join the walk-up waitlist on the My Disney Experience app. Learn more here!

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Tinseltown Tini: Toast to holiday cheer with this cold brew coffee topped with Kahlúa, Grey Goose Vodka, a hint of light cream, and a dash of whipped cream with cocoa (Available at the location near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror)
Round ‘Em Up Latte: A merry blend of espresso, cookie butter syrup, dulce de leche sauce, and milk topped with fluffy whipped cream, playful animal crackers, and festive sprinkles; available hot or iced (Non-alcoholic Beverage) (Available at the location in Toy Story Land)

Wow! What a tasty line-up coming to this brand-new event. I sure am hungry (and excited). You can purchase tickets to Disney Jollywood Nights here and try all of these delicious items for yourself.

Typhoon Lagoon: A Tropical Oasis of Fun and Adventure

Posted on October 17, 2023October 17, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Within the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park stands as a sun-soaked paradise for visitors of all ages. With its thrilling water attractions, serene tropical ambiance, and a touch of Disney magic, Typhoon Lagoon is a refreshing and exciting escape from the Florida heat.

Typhoon Lagoon’s unique story revolves around a fictional tropical paradise struck by a massive typhoon. The aftermath of the storm left behind a water park filled with thrilling waterslides, serene beaches, and a picturesque lagoon. The park’s thematic design reflects the remnants of the typhoon, with surfboards, boats, and other nautical elements scattered throughout, adding to the sense of adventure and discovery.

Typhoon Lagoon boasts a wide array of water attractions suitable for visitors of all ages and thrill levels. Here are some of the park’s most popular offerings:

Miss Adventure Falls: This family-friendly raft ride takes you on a journey to uncover the treasures of the park’s “Miss Fortune,” a stranded oceanographer.
Crush ‘n’ Gusher: A unique water coaster that propels you uphill and down thrilling twists and turns on a high-speed adventure.
Ketchakiddee Creek: A water play area designed for young children, complete with small slides, fountains, and interactive water features.
Castaway Creek: A relaxing lazy river that winds its way through the park, allowing guests to float leisurely through the tropical landscape.
Blizzard Beach’s Summit Plummet: The park’s iconic waterslide, which boasts one of the tallest, fastest free-fall body slides in the world.

One of the standout features of Typhoon Lagoon is the park’s unique surfing experience. The massive wave pool, known as Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, creates perfect six-foot waves for visitors to surf or bodyboard. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a first-time wave rider, this attraction provides an unforgettable experience for guests looking to catch some waves.

Typhoon Lagoon offers a variety of live entertainment options, including dance parties, beachside performances, and the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters in their tropical attire. Whether you’re dancing to the rhythm of the island or capturing magical moments with Mickey and friends, these experiences add a touch of Disney enchantment to your day at the water park.

Typhoon Lagoon provides guests with amenities such as rental lockers, beach chair and umbrella rentals, and a convenient gift shop for all your water park essentials. Dining options include a variety of choices, from quick-service locations offering snacks and refreshing beverages to full-service restaurants like Leaning Palms, where you can enjoy a delicious meal with a tropical twist.

For those seeking relaxation, Typhoon Lagoon offers plenty of options. The sandy beaches surrounding the wave pool and lagoon are perfect for lounging in the sun or finding a shady spot under a swaying palm tree. You can also rent a private cabana for a VIP experience, complete with personal attendants, a stocked cooler, and reserved seating.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is a tropical oasis filled with fun and adventure. Whether you’re seeking thrilling water rides, serene relaxation, or the magic of Disney characters, this water park has something for everyone. With its unique storytelling, thematic design, and a variety of attractions, Typhoon Lagoon is a refreshing and exciting escape that promises cherished memories for visitors of all ages. So, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and make a splash at Typhoon Lagoon during your Walt Disney World vacation.

‘Once Upon a Studio’ Now Streaming on Disney+

Posted on October 17, 2023October 17, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney+

Disney’s new “Once Upon a Studio” short film is now streaming on Disney+. The short originally debuted at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and then on ABC on October 15.

It uses a mix of 2D and 3D animation, on top of live-action footage to bring together dozens of Disney characters. Disney brought back more than 40 voice actors to reprise their roles, plus pulled audio from the archives to use dialogue from actors who have passed, like Robin Williams as the Genie.

The film takes place at the Roy E. Disney Animation Building, beginning when employees leave for the day — including Disney Legend Burny Mattinson. Mattinson filmed the sequence in August 2022, and sadly passed away in February 2023 at the age of 87 and the short is dedicated to him. He was the longest serving Cast Member in the history of The Walt Disney Company and would have received a 70th anniversary service award (the first ever) this year.

Dan Abraham, co-writer and director of “Once Upon a Studio” said in a recent press release that Mattinson loved being included in the film. “When I storyboarded this, in the very first frame, I drew, ‘Burny Mattinson walks out of the door with a young intern.’ And that was all about handing the baton on to the next generation. He was in the storyboards for months and months before Burny even knew he was in them. When Once Upon a Studio was greenlit, we went to Burny and asked him, ‘How would you feel about being part of this?’ And he was really, really into it! I don’t think he had done any on-camera work up until that point. But Burny is an animator and a story artist, so he’s an actor with a pencil; he has been his entire life. When he delivers his line—’If these walls could talk…’—there is a sparkle in his eye. It is just undeniable the things that Burny has seen in his 70 years at the company: Walt Disney, the death of Walt Disney, the emergence of computer animation, all the different people who were in charge throughout the decades. And he just rolled with it all.”

Clark Spencer, President of Disney Animation, said of Mattinson, “For 70 years, Burny was such an important part of this studio. His career spans everything from working in the mailroom to being an animator and story artist to directing feature films to being the best mentor anyone could ever ask for. His smile lit up the Studio, and the joy he brought to every room was infectious. Simply stated, his influence on the people and the films of Disney Animation was extraordinary. For those of us who had the honor to work with him, he inspired us to truly be the best that we could be.”

In the short, after Mattinson and the other employees leave, the animated characters of the studio come to life to take a 100th anniversary photo. Of course, Mickey and Minnie are heavily featured, but they’re also joined by beloved characters like Mirabel from “Encanto,” Anna and Elsa, the Three Little Pigs, Milo Thatch from “Atlantis,” Hades, Baymax, Merlin from “The Sword in the Stone,” Winnie the Pooh and friends, Cinderella and Prince Charming, and many more.

Watch the trailer for “Once Upon a Studio” below.

“Once Upon a Studio” is also set to play in front of “Wish” when the movie opens in theaters on November 22. The main character of “Wish,” Asha, appears briefly in the short film.

Trailer Released for Marvel’s ‘Werewolf by Night’ In Color

Posted on October 17, 2023October 17, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney+

Marvel Studios will re-release “Werewolf by Night” in color on Disney+ next week. The “Special Presentation” debuted last Halloween season.

“Werewolf by Night” was originally in black and white, being inspired by classic horror films of the 1930s and ’40s. It will be available in color beginning on October 20, 2023. Watch the new trailer below.

“Werewolf by Night” is directed by Michael Giacchino from a teleplay by Heather Quinn and Peter Cameron. It stars Gael García Bernal as Jack Russell, Laura Donnelly as Elsa Bloodstone, and Harriet Sansom Harris as Verussa Bloodstone.

After the special’s premiere, “Director by Night,” a documentary about Giacchino’s direction, was released.

Marvel has indicated they want to dig into the darker side of the MCU with more projects like “Werewolf by Night.” No characters from the special have appeared in the MCU again and Marvel hasn’t announced a “Werewolf by Night” follow-up, but Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said it introduced “a world that will ultimately become quite important to the future of the MCU.” (via Collider)